OHINEMURI.

Thames Guardian and Mining Record, Volume I, Issue 88, 20 January 1872, Page 3

OHINEMURI.

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) January 19. The frequency and regularity displayed by our two steamers in their visits to and from Oliinemuri arc very gratifying to the pakdia residents in this out-of-the-way locality. They generally bring us the newspapers too, so that we know what is going on. I am sorry, however, to see. articles in some of the local journals calculated to hold up the rangaliras of this district to ridicule. Rueli was 111<* case today when an article headed “Oliinemuri ridiculed To Ilira aud his sister, Alere Kuril, and reflected, as I think, unfeelingly upon the social condition of this settlement. The article says:—“ A correspondent at Oliinemuri informs us that the natives have been beguiling the time by upholding tho majesty of justice in their own peculiar way.” This is not true. 1, and others as well as myself, have enquired into the matter, and find that no communication was sent to any of the newspapers yesterday, and the information conveyed by the, article must either he imaginative on the part of the writer, or have been founded on very imperfect iliihi. The writer, whoever he is, lias committed a grave error, and it will not easily he effaced. The whole story will not hear criticising, nor does it come under the character id! a “ drunken spree.” I was at the Imperial Hotel, and saw all that passed. To Him and Alere Kuril were present when some foolish charge was being investigated about a child, but which they took no notice of. Afterwards, at another investigation into another frivolous cliurge against a European, two Europeans and a native woman were present, but To Ilira and Alere Kuril took no part in the matter, it being beneath I hem. Ruch being the ease, why have we all this story about a pair of hoots being given to Alere Kuril, when nothing of the kind ever took place. The writer of the precious article alluded to exhibits great curiosity to know how the natives became possessed of £7O or £BO, which, it is said, they proceeded to “knock down in the orthodox Maori fashion.” If the writer is really in earnest in the matter, 1 would recommend him to apply to the lessee of the saw mill at AVaikawau, when doubtless, lie will be furnished with the information lie, professes to seek. The closing part of the miserable article in question, says : “ How gratifying it is to reflect upon (he onward march of civilisation. This sudden accession of crime in Oliinemuri.” AY hat docs this mean? Will the writer with his untruthful statements and vile and ridiculous insinuations, stand forth before the chief and ehieftainess, and tell them that crime is on the increase, and that civilization is decreasing in Ohiiieniuri ? AVc know the writer dare not stand before these uncivilised beings, for this certain reason, that they would spurn from their presence such a calumniator of the truth, and cause him to ho buried in oblivion.